Implementing Universal Firearm Injury Prevention Interventions across Pediatric Trauma Centers: A type II hybrid effectiveness-implementation study protocol

Abstract

Overall, firearms are the leading cause of death for young people ages 1 to 19, and non-fatal firearm injuries are more than twice as prevalent as deaths due to firearm injuries in this age group [1] [2]. Safe firearm storage has repeatedly been shown to reduce firearm suicide, homicide, and unintentional fatalities among children and youth [3] [4]. However, an estimated 4.6 million U.S. children live in homes in which at least one firearm is stored loaded and unlocked [5]. For over a decade, the American Academy of Pediatrics [6] and the American College of Surgeons [7] have recommended adoption of firearm injury prevention counseling as a part of routine clinical practice.

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